12 Artists Who Died During A Performance

“Dying onstage” is usually just a crass expression among entertainers meaning a rough gig. But for an unlucky few, the phrase prove tragically true. Some of music’s great ones have passed on while in the middle of performing for an audience. In a sense it’s a fitting way to go -doing what you love in front of an adoring crowd. But still, their loss fills music lovers with grief to this very day.

From rock pioneers like the late great Johnny Ace, to heavy metal Gods like Dimebag Darrell, and even unclassifiable one-offs like the ukulele-strumming Tiny Tim, the list of musicians who’ve passed on while in front of the spotlight is larger than you’d expect. Head up to the gallery above to pay tribute to twelve of our fallen musical heroes.